Halloween night in France has seen a notable decrease in urban violence, with fewer vehicle burnings and arrests compared to previous years. In response, several departments have implemented strict measures, including bans on the sale of flammable materials and fireworks from October 30 to November 1. Authorities have heightened security, mobilizing hundreds of police officers and drones to ensure public safety. Similar precautions are echoed on Réunion Island, where alcohol consumption in public is also prohibited.
Halloween night often brings about incidents of urban disturbances. Last year, authorities in France reported 72 cars set ablaze, a decrease from 138 incidents in 2022, along with 55 arrests compared to 166 the previous year. Law enforcement also reported one injury, significantly lower than the 17 injuries recorded in 2022. In response to ongoing concerns, various regions have implemented measures to mitigate potential chaos on Halloween evening.
In the Alpes-Maritimes department, the sale and acquisition of fuels, corrosive substances, and flammable gases will be prohibited on October 30 and 31. Additional restrictions are in place for pyrotechnic devices and fireworks. Furthermore, due to the elevation of the Vigipirate alert level to ‘urgence attentat’, local officials are urging the public to exercise caution and good judgment when selecting costumes, urging them to avoid replica weapons that could incite panic.
Similarly, in Isère, restrictions began on October 25 and will continue through the morning of November 1. The local authorities have banned the possession and usage of smoke bombs, firecrackers, and fireworks on public roads, as well as the transportation of corrosive fuels and flammable gas, as outlined in the recent prefectoral decree. Eight municipalities in the Sarthe region, including Allonnes and Le Mans, are observing similar prohibitions from October 29 until the morning of November 4, 2024.
In Moselle, all forms of fireworks are completely prohibited between October 29 and midnight on November 1, according to the local daily Le Républicain Lorrain.
The Territoire de Belfort has been implementing various bans since October 24, lasting until the morning of November 1. These include restrictions on the carrying and transportation of ammunition and any item that could be perceived as a weapon, along with a prohibition on smoke bombs and fireworks in public areas. Additionally, buying and moving corrosive fuels and combustible products is not allowed during this time.
Increased Security Measures in Reunion Island
On the île de La Réunion, a prefectoral decree has reinstated the measures from the prior year aimed at preventing potential disturbances during Halloween night. From the evening of October 31 until the morning of November 1, the consumption of any alcoholic beverages in public spaces is banned, with violators facing fines of 135 euros.
The decree also prohibits the sale and possession of fireworks, pyrotechnic items, and distress flares, along with the transport of any firearms, including replicas, and ammunition. Further restrictions extend to the retail and transport of fuel, combustible, or corrosive materials in portable containers during this 24-hour timeframe.
In total, over 600 police officers and gendarmes will oversee safety during the night, aided by four drones equipped with cameras to monitor high-risk areas, as reported by local news outlets.
Additionally, November 1, recognized as All Saints’ Day, will see heightened security measures. In a communication to police officials, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized the need for vigilance during services, processions, and gatherings, particularly in light of the elevated terrorist threat and recent incidents of vandalism targeting places of worship.